Meeting the Work Requirement

Once a family or individual is approved for food assistance, adults of the family who are considered Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) must meet the work requirement in order to continue to receive food assistance.

An ABAWD is any individual who is:

At least 18 years old, but not yet 50,

Able-bodied,

Not pregnant, and

Not in an assistance group with a minor child.

There are several different ways to meet the work requirement.

Work 20 hours per week

Participate 20 hours per week in a job search program (for a maximum of three months)

Participate in a work experience program. The number of hours you must complete is the amount you are receiving in food assistance, divided by minimum wage.